Key outcomes and insights from INSII’s 10th Meeting
The tenth session of the International Network of Soil Information Institutions (INSII) meeting took place from 15 to 17 January 2025, at FAO headquarters in Rome, bringing together 117 participants in person and online to discuss the importance of soil data. Additionally, seven invited talks featured experts discussing topics ranging from how to improve soil information systems and map global soil erosion, to tools like LandPKS for field data collection, and international efforts on soil terminology, monitoring, and policy.
The opening remarks at the meeting set a powerful tone. Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, emphasized that soil data is the "DNA of soils", essential for improving soil management. He called for actionable steps to enhance data accessibility and integration, bridging disparities worldwide. Mr. Luca Montanarella, Chair of INSII, reflected on INSII’s evolution and the need to strengthen its leadership. He stressed that INSII should be an institutionally-lead network.
Ms. Thorunn Wolfram Petursdottir, Secretary of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), reinforced the urgency of placing soil data at the forefront of the global agenda. "Collaboration and innovation are key. INSII has the capacity to elevate soil data to the level it deserves," she emphasized, echoing the views of many attendees.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the increase in INSII membership which rose to 128, with new members from several countries, including Djibouti, Iceland, Madagascar, Malaysia, Suriname and Tonga.
Another key milestone was the progress made on the Global Soil Information System (GloSIS). The integration of National Soil Information Systems (NSIS) and Regional Soil Information Systems (RSIS) into a global framework is one step closer, with a prototype developed in the Philippines showcased at the event. The discussions also centered around Global Soil Nutrient and Nutrient Budget Maps (GSNmap), with participants calling for deeper collaboration between INSII and the International Network on Soil Fertility and Fertilizers (INSOILFER).
Capacity development was another focal point, with a 2024 agenda that emphasized building skills in modeling soil carbon sequestration potential, refining soil sampling designs, and advancing the GloSIS database. The importance of collaboration between INSII and GLOSOLAN was stressed in order to strengthen links between soil science laboratories and data providers, to improve the adoption of soil spectroscopy technologies and to standardize soil data collection methodologies.
Finally, INSII members and a specialized working group discussed the implementation of an indicator system through SoilSTAT to monitor and report on soil health as well as the implementation of the GSP Action Framework 2022-2030. This provides a robust monitoring mechanism that supports the objectives of the GSP.
The meeting reaffirmed that soil data is not just a technical concern but a global imperative. The need for increased collaboration, data sharing, and innovation has never been more pressing. As INSII continues to grow, so does its impact, offering a platform for FAO Members and institutions to work together towards sustainable soil management.
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